High Court to hear boxer's 'deselection' case

The High Court is to continue hearing a challenge today by youth boxing champion Michael O'Reilly over his "deselection" ahead of the European Youth Boxing Championships.

The 18-year-old welterweight has brought the action against the Irish Amateur Boxing Association.

The court has heard that Michael O'Reilly was withdrawn from the Irish panel after missing a training session at the National Stadium two weeks ago to get his van fixed.

It was damaged when the boxer let a 17-year-old fellow competitor with no license or insurance park his car.

The 18-year-old claims his subsequent deselection by the IABA ahead of the European Youth Championships next week was a disproportionate disciplinary measure.

His lawyers say the decision jeopardises his annual €5,000 sports grant and the young boxer could lose his chance of competing in the 2012 Olympics.

The hearing continues today.